Gambia: Four soldiers arrested over botched military coup

Gambian authorities have arrested four soldiers indicted for a failed military coup aiming to topple incumbent President Adama Barrow and his administration.

“Based on intelligence that some soldiers in the Gambian army were plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Adama Barrow, the high command (of the Gambian armed forces) quickly mounted a military operation yesterday (Tuesday) and arrested four soldiers linked to the alleged coup attempt,” Ebrima G. Sankareh, the spokesman for Barrow cabinet said in a statement. Three other people, identified as accomplices, are still on the run, Sankareh added.

“The government urges citizens, residents and members of the diplomatic and consular corps to go about their business as usual; the situation is fully under control and there is no need to panic,” Sankareh said.

Barrow came to power in 2016 after beating former and longtime leader Yahya Jammeh who took over power in 1994 in a military coup and led the country until his defeat.